There is no single definitive ranking of the most affordable 2023 compact SUVs: affordability can mean a low displayed starting price or broader ownership value. CarCody’s editorial list and Kelley Blue Book’s separate list use different approaches, so their rankings should not be combined or treated as a market-wide consensus.
This historical U.S.-market comparison explains what each list says, shows KBB’s displayed prices and combined fuel-economy figures, and notes what the available evidence cannot establish about ownership costs.
What “affordable” means in this comparison
CarCody says its ranking considers purchase price, transaction reality, equipment, operating costs, reliability, and utility. It lists 15 vehicles, from the Chevrolet Trax through the Jeep Compass. That is CarCody’s editorial ranking; the research reviewed does not independently validate its scoring or all of its model-specific claims.
Kelley Blue Book (KBB) publishes a separate list of 17 cheapest compact SUVs of 2023, ordered by displayed starting price. The figures below are KBB’s displayed values, not verified transaction prices or a guarantee that vehicles shared the same trim, destination charge, or drivetrain. They are historical model-year figures, not current used-car prices.
#1 Best Overall
- Large Size for Full-Size SUVs: This SUV cargo liner for dogs measures 53.15 inches x 78.74 inches, it fits large and full-size SUVs, but not compact crossovers, minivans, sedans, or small/mid-size/compact SUVs. Please measure the cargo area of your car before purchase.
- Water Resistant and Easy to Clean: 4 waterproof layers quilted, durable 600D oxford fabric, the dog seat cover mat protects your car seat from scratches, pet dander, hair, spills, odors, mud, and water; Easy to clean just by wiping away dirt or vacuuming, wash by hand will be better
- Ultimate Protection with Side and Bumper Flaps: Side flap measures 40 inches x 12.6 inches, protects the car side wall from dog's claw marks, just like a hammock protector; Bumper Flap effectively protects your car against scratches when your dog crawls into the trunk or lies on the edge of the trunk
- Non-Slip Net and Overall Protection: Extra large textured 53.15 inches x 40 inches anti-slip rubber backing (twice as much as the average product) for more stability, no worries about quick turns and speed bumps; 2 Suction cups and 3 Strong Velcro on both sides for fixing the side panels on car to avoid sliding left and right, keeping a safe car environment. NOTES: Suction cups will be more sticky with hot water
- Widely Use and Versatile Applications: Served as the car seat cover, pet seat cover mat and family outdoor picnic mat or as the luggage mat for your moving day, a good gift choice
KBB’s 2023 displayed-price comparison
The table preserves KBB’s own ranking and figures. Combined fuel economy is also as displayed by KBB.
| KBB rank | 2023 model | Displayed starting price | Combined fuel economy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross | $17,800 | 25 mpg |
| 2 | Chevrolet Equinox | $18,800 | 28 mpg |
| 3 | Volkswagen Tiguan | $18,850 | 25 mpg |
| 4 | Ford Escape | $19,300 | 26 mpg |
| 5 | Dodge Hornet | $19,400 | 24 mpg |
| 6 | Jeep Compass | $19,400 | 27 mpg |
| 7 | Nissan Rogue | $19,900 | 31 mpg |
| 8 | Hyundai Tucson | $20,100 | 28 mpg |
| 9 | Mazda CX-50 | $20,800 | 27 mpg |
| 10 | Kia Sportage | $21,000 | 28 mpg |
| 11 | Jeep Cherokee | $22,100 | 24 mpg |
| 12 | GMC Terrain | $22,200 | 27 mpg |
| 13 | Mazda CX-5 | $22,900 | 26 mpg |
| 14 | Subaru Forester | $23,000 | 29 mpg |
| 15 | Jeep Wrangler | $26,200 | 21 mpg |
| 16 | Honda CR-V | $26,400 | 29 mpg |
| 17 | Toyota RAV4 | $27,600 | 29 mpg |
Source: Kelley Blue Book, “17 Cheapest Compact SUVs of 2023.” Prices and fuel-economy figures are those displayed on KBB’s page. They are not individual transaction-price quotes.
Rank #2
- TAILORED FIT & EASY CARE | Small Size (Compact SUVs) — Perfect for compact SUVs. Measure your cargo area first for best fit. Clean easily by wiping, vacuuming, rinsing, or machine washing. Works seamlessly for pup park visits, weekend getaways, and beach days alike. Perfect fit, easy cleanup, ready for any trip.
- ZIPPERED FULL ENCLOSURE | 3-Sided Full Protection — One-piece liner covers rear seat back, cargo floor, and bumper, with zippered side flaps for 3-sided full protection. Zip up to seal pet hair, mud, spills, and debris; unzip to fold seats flat while retaining coverage. Ideal for dog outings, ski gear, surfboards, fishing tackle, gardening tools, and strollers—keep your cargo area spotless. No more messy post-adventure cleanups.
- ALL-ZONE NON-SLIP SAFETY | Secure Dog Stability — Anti-slip material extends to seat back and bumper areas, preventing pets from slipping while jumping in/out and keeping them stable on folded seats for safer rides. This full-coverage grip delivers reliable, secure hold during every trip. Keeps your pup safe, you worry-free.
- HEAVY-DUTY 900D OXFORD FABRIC | Waterproof & Durable — Rugged 900D Oxford fabric is waterproof, odor-free, and built to last. Its 3-layer, pinhole-free design blocks leaks completely, while a soft cotton middle layer boosts pet comfort. The heavy-duty non-slip base locks the cargo liner in place through every adventure. Protects your car, comforts your pup.
- STURDY TPU SUCTION CUPS | No-Fall, Residue-Free — Thick, durable TPU suction cups lock tight to side windows with a simple press—no falling off, no sticky residue. They keep side flaps sealed and secure at all times. Secure, reliable, residue-free.
How to read the rankings
Price rank is not total ownership cost
KBB’s table compares displayed starting prices; it does not establish which vehicle will cost least to own. CarCody’s broader affordability framing includes operating costs, reliability, equipment, and utility, but the reviewed article does not provide a reproducible, independently verified comparison of insurance, repair, or reliability costs for every model.
Category averages are not model prices
Kelley Blue Book and Cox Automotive reported a November 2023 average transaction price of $35,543 for the Compact SUV/Crossover category. The source says average transaction prices exclude applied consumer incentives. This category figure is historical context, not the price of any one SUV or a substitute for KBB’s displayed starting prices.
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Rank #3
- ➤Perfect size：This SUV cargo liner for dogs measures 70L" x 40W", it is foldable to fit mid-size/ compact SUV, compact crossover, minivan, sedan. Please kindly measure the cargo area of your car trunk or car back seat before purchase the dog car seat cover,or please confirm the size with us before your purchase to avoid return
- ➤Bumper Flap Protector: The bumper flap of the trunk cover for dogs, made of upgraded fabric with a water-resistant coating,effectively protects your car against scratches when your dog crawls into the trunk or lies on the edge of the trunk; Pet seat cover for back seat slits design for leveling the cover easily
- ➤Easy to Install and Clean: Quick release buckles of straps and seat anchors for easyinstallation and stability; the water-resistant dog cargo liner easy to clean by vacuum or just wipe away the dirt, washable; Tips: If there's a pee accident, please clean the SUV cargo liner cover immediately
- ➤Multifunction Seat Cover: SUV cargo cover can be used as cargo protector, dog cargo liner, dog car seat cover for back seat and family picnic mat. It can also be used as a luggage mat when moving. The trunk cargo liner cover is also ideal as a gift for others. Even with the seats down the liner covers help to prevent scratching the paint when loading or unloading anything in the back
- ➤Satisfied Guarantee: About our dog car seat cover.We are committed to providing customer high-quality products and the best shopping experiences.If you meet any issue,just send an email to us
Awards answer a different question
KBB named the 2023 Honda CR-V its Compact SUV Best Buy. That editorial award is distinct from a cheapest-price ranking: KBB’s list places the CR-V at rank 16 by displayed starting price. The award should not be read as proof that it was among the lowest-priced entries.
What to compare before choosing
- Check the price basis. Distinguish a historical displayed starting price from a transaction price, incentives, or a present-day used listing.
- Compare fuel use. Use figures for the same model year and identify the source; KBB’s displayed combined figures are shown in the table above.
- Check the exact trim. Standard safety equipment, convenience features, and drivetrain can vary by trim. Confirm the equipment on the specific vehicle rather than assuming it is included across a model line.
- Assess practical fit. Compare passenger and cargo needs against the specific vehicle and trim. The reviewed sources do not provide a common, independently verified space-and-equipment dataset for every entry.
- Do not assume ownership-cost winners. The evidence reviewed here does not offer comparable insurance, repair, or reliability data for all models.
- Check today’s market separately. These are 2023 model-year comparisons. Current used inventory and prices change and require a fresh search.
FAQ
Which 2023 compact SUV had the lowest displayed starting price on KBB’s list?
KBB’s list shows the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross first, with a displayed starting price of $17,800. This is KBB’s historical figure, not a current price or a verified transaction amount.
Rank #4
- 【Find the Right Fit】Vehicles not listed are not compatible. Not sure about your fit? Send us your SUV’s year, make, and model on Amazon—we’ll confirm within 12 hours. For 3-row SUVs, fold down the third row during use.
- 【3D Full Coverage. Less Mess.】Unlike basic cargo liner, REEVAA’s 3D full-coverage design protects your seats, side walls, bumper, and tailgate all at once. Less scratches, less fur, less mess — and a cleaner SUV every day.
- 【No Sliding on Sharp Turns】Worried about your dog slipping during sudden stops or bumpy roads? The textured anti-slip surface and rubber backing keep everything steady and secure. Lab-tested for 40% stronger grip.
- 【18" Side Walls. Safer Rides.】Dogs can easily bump into hard surfaces during turns. Our extra-tall 18" side walls with 3cm high-resilience foam absorb up to 80% of impact — helping protect joints, reduce hard bumps, and keep every ride safer.
- 【Wipe Clean in Seconds】Mud, fur, spills, and dirt clean up fast — no deep scrubbing needed. Dual waterproof layers help block messes and keep your SUV looking clean with minimal effort.
Why are there two different “most affordable” rankings?
The lists answer different questions. KBB’s cited list ranks 17 models by displayed starting price, while CarCody presents its own 15-model editorial ranking and says it considers broader value factors. Their order and scope should not be conflated.
Was the 2023 Honda CR-V one of KBB’s cheapest entries?
It appears at rank 16 on KBB’s 17-vehicle displayed-price list, at $26,400. KBB separately named the CR-V its 2023 Compact SUV Best Buy; that award is not a low-price ranking.
Do these figures tell me which SUV is cheapest to own today?
No. They are historical 2023 model-year figures. They do not establish current used prices or comparable insurance, maintenance, repair, and reliability costs for each vehicle.
Quick Recap
Sources
- CarCody, “15 Most Affordable Compact SUVs In 2023” — source for CarCody’s stated ranking and method.
- Kelley Blue Book, “17 Cheapest Compact SUVs of 2023” — source for its displayed starting-price ranking and combined fuel-economy figures.
- Kelley Blue Book, 2023 Best Buy Awards — source for the CR-V award; the award is separate from the price ranking.
- Cox Automotive/Kelley Blue Book, November 2023 Average Transaction Price tables — source for the compact SUV/crossover category average and incentive caveat.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
